Final answer:
Oxygen is produced in oxygenic photosynthesis, but not in anoxygenic photosynthesis. Oxygenic photosynthesis uses water as the electron donor, releasing oxygen, while an oxygenic photosynthesis uses other compounds such as H2S and does not release oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of photosynthesis, two types exist: oxygenic photosynthesis and atoxigenic photosynthesis. Oxygenic photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, where water (H2O) is used as the electron donor and oxygen is produced as a byproduct. This is captured in the statement, "Photosynthesis uses solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce energy-storing carbohydrates. Oxygen is generated as a waste product of photosynthesis."
In contrast, anoxygenic photosynthesis occurs in some bacteria which do not use water as an electron donor. Instead, they may use substances like hydrogen sulfide (H2S), meaning oxygen is not produced during the process. Due to these distinct mechanisms, the correct answer to the student's question is: 1) oxygen is produced in oxygenic photosynthesis, and 2) oxygen is not produced in atoxigenic photosynthesis.